A nurse checks the serum digoxin level of a client and finds it to be increased. Which of the following would the nurse identify as possibly associated with this increase?
- A. Colestipol (Colestid)
- B. Verapamil (Calan)
- C. Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- D. Calcium carbonate (Maalox)
- E. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: Increased serum digoxin levels can occur with verapamil, clarithromycin, and spironolactone. Antacids, such as calcium carbonate, and colestipol cause a decrease in serum digoxin levels.
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A nurse is preparing to administer a cardiotonic drug via IM injection based on the understanding of which of the following about this route? Select all that apply.
- A. Appropriate when IV access is not available
- B. Site massage necessary after injection
- C. Not the recommended parenteral route
- D. Amount given no more than 2 \mathrm{~mL}
- E. Injection deep into the muscle
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: IM injection is not recommended for cardiotonic drugs yet, but they may be given as an IM injection when needed urgently and no IV access is available. When administering a cardiotonic drug IM, the nurse should give the injection deep in the muscle and follow with massage to the site. No more than 2 \mathrm{~mL} should be injected IM.
A client is prescribed a cardiotonic medication. Which of the following preadministration assessments should the nurse perform on this client?
- A. Inspect joints for swelling.
- B. Check for jugular vein distention.
- C. Inspect skin for rash.
- D. Obtain blood glucose levels.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should check for jugular vein distention as part of the preadministration assessment for the client prescribed a cardiotonic. The nurse need not inspect joints for swelling, inspect skin for rash, or obtain blood glucose levels as these interventions will not provide necessary information with regard to administration of a cardiotonic.
A client comes to the clinic complaining of weakness and drowsiness. He states, 'I just get so tired sometimes that Lean't do what I want to do.' The client is receiving digoxin as part of the treatment for heart failure. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse most likely identify?
- A. Risk for Injury
- B. Activity Intolerance
- C. Decreased Cardiac Output
- D. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Based on the client's statement and complaints, the nurse would most likely identify a nursing diagnosis of Activity Intolerance. Risk for Injury might be appropriate if the client complained of dizziness or if his complaints affected his ambulation. There is no evidence to support a nursing diagnosis of Decreased Cardiac Output or Imbalanced Nutrition.
A client is prescribed a cardiotonic drug. The nurse would expect to administer which of the following in conjunction with this drug as part of the treatment for heart failure? Select all that apply.
- A. Loop diuretics
- B. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)
- C. Thrazide diuretics
- D. Calcium channel blockers
- E. Beta blockers
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Cardiotonic drugs are used in clients with persistent symptoms, with recurrent hospitalization, or as indicated in conjunction with ACEIs, loop diuretics, and beta blockers in clients with heart failure.
A client with heart failure has been digitalized. The client requires long-term digoxin therapy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide the client on discharge?
- A. Take the drug with high-fiber meals.
- B. Report to the center if the pulse is less than 70 \mathrm{bpm}.
- C. Take antacids promptly to avoid gastric problems.
- D. Take the drug regularly without skipping a dose.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to take the drug regularly without skipping a dose. The client should consult the provider before discontinuing the drug. Taking the drug with high-fiber meals will decrease the absorption of the drug. The client should be advised to report to the center if the pulse is less than 60 \mathrm{bpm}. Antacids should not be taken as they alter the plasma digoxin levels.
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